In the region of Taraklia, the centre of Bulgarians of Moldova honour the traditions and customs of their ancestors, which they have followed for many years.
On the eve of Lazarus Saturday before Palm Sunday, a group of students of the House of Creativity congratulated the administration of the district, the delegation of teachers from the Ruse University “Angel Kanchev”, the consul of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Moldova, the rector of Tarakli State University on the Bulgarian national holiday “Lazar Day”.
A group of pupils conducted a “lazaruvane” ritual with greetings, songs and dances with wishes for health and well-being. In this custom, young girls dress in their festive clothes, take to the streets from early dawn, walk from door to door and sing the memorable lazarki songs – a blessing for health, happiness and good luck.
The custom “Lazaruvane” ranks among the most colourful and cheerful traditions that have been preserved for centuries.
According to ancient Bulgarian traditions and customs, the main participants of the celebrations were young unmarried girls who performed symbolic rituals. The calendar moment of the rebirth of nature in people’s imaginations was connected with the purity, immaculateness and growing powers of young girls.
It was believed that during this period, they had supernatural power and could sanctify and bless homes, hosts, and fields with song and dance. In return for praise odes, the owners give the girls chicken eggs, sweets and money.
According to popular belief, houses in which lazarki sang will be happy all next year.
Chairman of the district Ivan Paslar thanked the children for preserving and developing the culture and traditions of the Bulgarians and their active participation in the cultural life of the Taraklia district.